My heat seemed to pass by like a blink of an eye.

I barely had time to compose myself before the next stage of the games began.

I blinked as I tugged the black leather over my skin, the small red accents standing out like a fish out of water. On the top left-hand corner of my chest was the word 'Bloodlust'. It was about a seven-hour drive to the Desert Sun pack, one of the furthest packs from Bloodlust. Apparently, upon arrival, there would be a representative dinner.

An opportunity for each pack to show off their representative, and an opportunity for wolves around the continent to place their bets.

Even the idea had my heart pumping.

Of course, it would be easier to get ready now, preventing us a whole hassle when we eventually arrive in Desert Sun. So, here I was, wearing a full black leather athletics suit, an emblem of Bloodlust.

A range of thoughts swirled through my head if the leaders saw me on the broadcast, what would they think? Had they already figured out who was behind Cora and Ti's extraction? Nevertheless, they weren't my main priority right now.

Becoming the next Werewolf Representative was, and so was becoming this year's winner.

I swapped out my usual piercings for bright red ones, changing out my nose stud as well. I was the Bloodlust Representative, might as well look like it.

Finally, I headed downstairs, everyone huddled around the table, either eating or hugging a mug of tea or coffee. Alexander, however, was hunched up in the corner, his brows furrowed as he read through the morning newspaper.

I grabbed an apple from the bowl that rested on the kitchen bench before wandering over to Xander, resting my hands on his shoulders and my head against his.

"What's got you so tense?" I quipped, taking a moment to inhale his scent.

Xander closed the paper and handed it behind to me, "Take a look for yourself."

Suddenly concerned, I opened it up, my eyes scanning across the fumbles of words before finding what Alexander had been reading.

Our Lying Luna?

It's practically common knowledge now that Alpha Cain has finally found his mate, the elusive Bloodlust Luna that most had thought, quite frankly, didn't exist. Cassandra Verano is a wolf of many mysteries, one being her backstory, and two being how she's eligible for this year's Games. Alpha Cain has officially broken the record for the longest wait time between meeting and ascension for his mate, causing confusion amongst the pack on just how legitimate Luna Verano's status is. With limited interaction and a most unapproachable demeanour, our only glimpses of Luna Verano being at a training session about a month and a half ago, and of course, the Bloodlust Trials. But how on earth is she even able to compete? Beta Emerson recently came out and confirmed this, saying 'As Alpha Cain's mate, she is immediately part of the pack, regardless of not being officially sworn in. However, as she has not taken the procedure to become a Luna which are necessary, she is not considered as a pack leader, therefore making her eligible.'

Well, while some agree and see the logic in this statement, many find it completely ridiculous. Especially Parker Enoch, who's embarrassing second-place cost thousands of dollars in bets to be handed over. Enoch has since come out, exposing Luna Verano for her rude treatment to both him and the other contestants, ineligibility to even compete and accusations of performance-enhancing drugs. And it seems many agree. A petition to expose Luna Verano has recently reached 15,000 signatures, most of which haven't even come from this pack...

I slammed it shut, not wanting to read anymore. I glanced at the cover and snorted. 'Shewolf Weekly'

"What type of bullshit is this?"

Xander shrugged, "They go on to fire at me for even accepting you, and that I should consider rejection as a viable option. Then, of course, there is the rest..."

I felt the paper scrunch in my grasp. "Useless gossiping bitches."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, "Well hey, at least the leather fits."

I rolled my eyes as I pulled out the seat next to him, finishing off the rest of my apple in one quick bite. "So, what are the plans?"

"We're scheduled to leave within the hour," Vance said. "If not then we'll end up being late and trust me, we don't want that. Farren's in charge of the pack, and neither Cora nor Ti are permitted to leave in case the organisation have something see up their sleeves."

Cora rolled her eyes, "It makes sense but how inconvenient."

Ti gave Cora an apprehensive look before continuing to eat her eggs.

"I doubt watching it on the screen is too much different to watching it live Cora," Ti stated, "Besides, I think you'll much prefer staying home in a practically empty house."

"So what," I started, "Who's staying behind to look after the pack?"

Farren sighed, "That would be Myra and I, unfortunately. Really, It's supposed to be the Beta-" She shot a glare to Vance, "But since our's loves the games so much, we alternate years. It's my turn to stay home this year."

Vance rubbed his hands together, "And aren't I glad that it is. I'd be frothing at the mouth if I had missed out on this,"

-------------------------------------------

Alexander, dressed up in a black suit, accompanied by a red tie carefully threw my luggage into the back of the car. It was significantly smaller, in fact, the smallest piece of luggage that anyone had brought. On the side of the car was the Desert Sun logo, yellow and blaring and I opened the door and slid myself in.

The Desert Sun had sent cars, specifically to pick up the Leaders and representatives of each pack. The driver in the front seat was silent, only a small nod of acknowledgement was given on his part before he turned away, completely focused on the road ahead.

Vance and Harmony were already seated in the car parked directly next to us, the two waiting anxiously as Alexander took his time. I let my back lean against the leather seats, resting my head back as the cool feeling transferred over to me.

Finally, the door opened and Xander swung himself in, quickly fixing his belt before turning to the driver, "Let's go,"

I clenched my fists, centering myself as the engine began to hum. I felt as Xander's hand slid across the seat, placing his hand on my thigh and simply leaving it there, not even sparing me a glance. I smiled as I turned my head away from his direction.

I placed my hand on top of his, and the car slowly left Bloodlust behind, as if it were only a distant memory, a hallucination.

I suppose I should be thankful for the anchor seated right beside me.

Never before had I been truly able to appreciate the land. The thick, luscious forests of the Southern End had never looked like this before, or perhaps I'd just never been fully aware of it. Was the northern end like this too? Or had I just never been in the right area for it. Yes, we were hidden up there, disappearing into the nothingness to avoid being found both by the Wolves and Fae and the Humans.

Or maybe I just never had the time to even acknowledge it, let alone appreciate it.

The time seemed to fly by, my eyes fluttering closed somewhere in between a large rock and a bubbling brook. Yet I was aware of my surroundings, the car against the gravel road and the hand still rested upon my thigh.

It was no surprise to me when my eyes shot open when Alexander finally decided to speak,

"We've arrived," He whispered, moving closer to me, "Need to be carried? Or can you get up yourself?"

Suddenly, it was like I had never dozed off at all. "I can get up. I'm fine."

As if to prove my point, I opened up the car door in one quick movement, almost falling out as I did before I quickly regained my footing.

A deep chuckle as Xander got out of the car himself, as if the air was lifting him from the leather seats and onto the grass. "Remember, you're representing my pack. I dare say I won't be happy if you fall on your face in front of everyone."

I cocked my hip, "Yeah? And what will you do with me if I do?"

His eyes became ferocious, "You don't want to know."

Dangerously, I leaned forward, "I think I already do,"

"Goddess what a terrible drive," Harmony complained, wandering over in our direction. "Remind me again, why couldn't we just have flown here?"

Vance pressed a kiss to Harmony's cheek, his suit identical to the one that Alexander was wearing. "Because it would be disrespectful to Desert Sun, Alpha Montgomery is extremely traditional and we don't want to risk losing his respect."

Harmony sighed, "I suppose." A small pout as she tugged on the edge of her baby blue dress, the light catching on her golden heels.

Xander checked his wrist, "Come on, let's head into the building. Remember everyone, representing the Bloodlust Pack."

It was like second nature, the straightening of my back, the push of my shoulders, raising of my chin and the drop of my face. Long, purposeful strides, as if I was walking to meet death himself upon the doorstep of my next victim.

It seemed that it was like second nature for the other two. Xander I already knew, having slipped easily into his heartless Alpha side. Vance's face had hardened, even scowling as his hand laid on Harmony's back, who looked every inch the annoyed Bloodlust Beta who would rather be anywhere else.

A sight to behold, I'm sure.

The land was hard and cracked underneath my feet, the sun beating down as my whole body slowly inched into a state of unbearable heat. I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow.

As we walked, it seemed that the gathering of crowds outside a large glass building parted, like we were gods ourselves.

It felt like a red carpet event, the eyes of everyone around us barely able to look away. We kept walking until we reached the front door, to which an anxious worker watched us with beady eyes.

"Name of pack-"

"Bloodlust." Alexander cut him off, already annoyed. His hand extended, gesturing to me, "My Representative, Cassandra Verano."

The worker gulped. "Ms Verano, if you could please head to the left and follow the hallway until you reach the end. You'll need to simply state your name and pack and the worker there will let you into a room full of the other representatives. Alpha Cain, Beta Emerson and Beta James, simply head forward into the main dining area, you will receive more instructions there."

We spared a look at each other before moving forward. Once we were out of earshot, I let myself breathe.

"Why do we have to be... like that? I don't have a problem with it, but I don't exactly see a point in putting up an act." I asked quietly.

Alexander sighed. "We're different people when we're together, just us, and I certainly don't believe in mistreating my pack. But in the end, if the world goes to shit, my pack is the one who is going to step up and fight, and not even for the greater good, simply because most of them would love the opportunity to rip an enemies head from their neck. It's who we are, and no one really has a problem with it. Half the packs do know that we aren't nearly as mean as we look in terms of personality. The act serves as a reminder that there is no member in my pack who wouldn't kill them if they crossed them."

My eyes widened slightly. And yet, I felt nothing but respect. "That makes sense."

Harmony winced, "Have no fear Cassandra, I'm definitely putting on an act."

Alexander turned to me, "Be careful, we'll see you later on. I'm sure that after the introduction is finished, you'll come and sit back down with us."

I nodded my head and turned away, the excited chatter from those outside the glass walls slowly fading into silence as I continued to walk.

No one was in front of me, and no one was behind. I was the only one in this hallway, wandering towards the man at the end who acted as a guard in front of a glittering, black door.

"Cassandra Verano." I stated, "The Bloodlust Pack."

The guard let his eyes run over me, top to bottom before composing himself. "Inside is the rest of the representatives, you're the last to arrive. Within the next thirty minutes, someone will come and get you to lead you all into the main dining room for introductions. Afterwards, you will be allowed back into your seats, is that clear?"

I ran my tongue over my teeth, "Crystal."

The guard opened the door, and I walked through, the bang of the door closing behind me being the only thing I could hear.

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